silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsi-lə-ˌkāt  -kət 

: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid

especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion, constitute the largest class of minerals, and are used in building materials (such as cement, bricks, and glass)

Examples of silicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One way, related to my own mining venture, is through olivine, a naturally abundant magnesium silicate with extraordinary potential. —Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

These are bodies from the main asteroid belt with organic molecule-rich silicates and carbon with water ice in their interiors. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 July 2025

The denser components of that melt—iron and other metals—settled to the center, leaving lighter silicates to float up toward the surface. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2021

Traces of silicates have been seen around stars and even brown dwarfs before, but this is the first time these fingerprints have been found around much smaller free-floating planets. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

silicic (acid)

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing silicate

• calcium silicate
• dicalcium silicate

Kids Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-i-ˌkāt 

ˈsil-ə-kət

: a chemical salt that consists of a metal combined with silicon and oxygen and is used especially in building materials (as bricks)

Medical Definition

silicate

noun

sil·​i·​cate ˈsil-ə-ˌkāt  ˈsil-i-kət 

: a salt or ester derived from a silicic acid

especially : any of numerous insoluble often complex metal salts that contain silicon and oxygen in the anion and constitute the largest class of minerals